The United States men's national team has been dealt a significant blow just weeks before the 2026 World Cup. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso, a key figure in Atlético Madrid's midfield, has suffered a high-grade sprain in his right ankle during a club practice session. The injury, confirmed by Atlético Madrid, casts serious doubt over his availability for the global tournament, which kicks off in less than five weeks.
High-grade ankle sprains are notoriously difficult injuries, typically requiring a minimum of one month for recovery, and often longer depending on the severity and the individual's healing process. With the USMNT's opening match against Paraguay scheduled for June 13 in Inglewood, California, the timeline is extremely tight. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to name his final squad in under three weeks, leaving Cardoso in a race against time that medical experts would likely deem improbable to win.
Cardoso's importance to the US setup cannot be overstated. The 24-year-old defensive midfielder has earned 23 caps since his international debut in 2020. While his performances for the national team have sometimes struggled to match the consistency he displays at club level, he is widely viewed as a potential cornerstone of the US midfield for this World Cup cycle. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid has made him one of the most closely watched American players in Europe.
The timing of the injury is particularly cruel. Atlético Madrid are in the final stretch of their La Liga campaign, with four rounds remaining as they battle for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. The club was recently eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals by Arsenal, a disappointment that now pales in comparison to the potential loss of a key player for the sport's biggest stage. Cardoso's injury occurred during a routine training session, underscoring the precarious nature of a professional athlete's career.
For Pochettino, the potential absence of Cardoso forces a reevaluation of his midfield options. The Argentine manager has built his tactical system around players who can provide defensive solidity and transition play quickly. Cardoso fits that profile perfectly, and his loss would create a void that is not easily filled. However, Pochettino does have alternatives at his disposal, each bringing different qualities to the table.
One player who could see his stock rise is Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders. Roldan, a veteran of the 2022 World Cup squad, offers invaluable experience and versatility. He is capable of playing multiple positions across the midfield and even in defense, a trait that is highly valued in tournament football. His leadership and respect within the locker room also make him a strong candidate to step into a more prominent role should Cardoso be ruled out.
Another intriguing option is Tanner Tessmann, who has featured 12 times under Pochettino, accumulating the 15th-most minutes among US players during the coach's tenure. Tessmann's versatility has been a key asset; he has recently been deployed as a center-back in a three-man backline for both club and country. This tactical flexibility could prove invaluable in a World Cup squad, where adaptability is often the difference between progression and elimination.
The broader implications for the USMNT's World Cup preparations are significant. The team is grouped with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, and will need all hands on deck to navigate what is a competitive but manageable group. The loss of a player of Cardoso's caliber would not only weaken the midfield but also disrupt the tactical cohesion Pochettino has been building. The coach now faces the unenviable task of preparing contingency plans while hoping for a medical miracle.
Cardoso's journey to this point has been one of steady progression. From his early days with the national team to becoming a regular starter at one of Europe's most demanding clubs, he has shown the resilience and quality required to compete at the highest level. An ankle injury of this nature threatens to derail years of hard work and preparation for a tournament that represents the pinnacle of any footballer's career.
As the football world watches and waits for updates on his recovery, the focus shifts to the players who may need to step up in his absence. The USMNT's depth will be tested, and Pochettino's ability to adapt his strategy will be under the microscope. For now, the hope remains that Cardoso can defy the odds, but the reality of the injury timeline suggests his World Cup dream is hanging by a thread.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.
